Gator Carry On Bag
$125.00

In Stock

In stock orders ship same day if received by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time!

Behold! The Gator.

A compact carry-on bag with a big appetite.

You can read up on how others have used this multi-purpose carry-on bag, but we're sure you'll think up something new. Just like its hungry animal namesake, this tough-skinned beauty will swallow up everything you need for travel. Ideal as an compact airline carry-on and easily classified as a personal item, a shooting bag for the range, SLR camera bag, diaper bag in disguise, C-pap bag, or take it to work with a packed lunch; you get the picture.

WHAT ABOUT POCKETS?
Secure your delicate equipment in the Gator's rigid-formed, shock-resistant padded main compartment. No need to carry separate hydration, the Gator features dual elastic beverage end pockets that will hold small to medium water bottles (taller ones tend to not be as secure and may fall out!). The expandable gusseted side pockets help you to keep track of your gadgets like cell phones, iPods, sunglasses, and more.

These side pockets feature the exclusive ROFLS -- "Red Oxx Finger Loop Snap" closures which utilize our Mil-Spec stainless steel snaps and thoughtfully designed thumb loops that make closing these handy pockets a "snap." ROFLS allows one-handed snapping closure. Simply slip a finger into the loop under the snap post and use your thumb to press the post in place. ROFLS is a clever solution that prevents crushing items (like your precious sunglasses) under the snaps. Behind each gusseted pocket are secret hidden flat slip pockets for that little extra bit of storage.

GET ORGANIZED.
Inside the Gator carryall bag, there's a full-length stiff mesh divider with four slots for pens and pencils and two mesh pockets. This divider is sewn down to snugly secure your iPad or Tablet when the pocket is snapped shut. Located on the back exterior is another full-length zippered pocket. Our 4lb. Volara closed cell firm foam padding envelopes the bag in the front, bottom, and back, protecting your precious contents from damage.

A COMPACT CARRY-ON BAG BUILT LIKE A TANK?
Our customers like to define our gear as "built like a tank". While obviously you're not going to be toting around personal items that weigh 50 tons and have three inches of armor plate, for what it's worth, the comparison is valid. For a personal item bag, like their namesake, Gators are built tough. Starting with one of the most durable textile materials available, 1000 weight CORDURA® nylon, we use a proprietary super strong UV resistant thread that is stitched into every seam.

BOUND AND BAGGED.
Places where two separate pieces of fabric are stitched together are then bound, that is, we take a long piece of one inch wide nylon webbing and fold it over the edges of the two pieces and stitch them together; this creates a strong seam, or binding, that prevents the pieces from unraveling on the inside of the bag, or gives it a clean finished look if on the outside of the bag, such as along the gusseted pockets on the Gator.

These types of outside edges are bound using a thicker binding material. Inside edges typically receive the thinner nylon webbing, whereas outside corner edges that are exposed to wear will have a thicker nylon binding. All of our binding material is vertically woven to prevent fraying, peeling or splitting that you may commonly see in competitors bags that brag of "binding" their edges.

WHY DOUBLE BOX STITCHING?
Each stress point, such as where the handles attach to the Gator, is double box stitched - which is where we get the "double XX" in our name, Red Oxx; a stitching practice we adapted from our service as parachute riggers.

MY, WHAT BIG ZIPPERS YOU HAVE!
The reason Red Oxx uses the largest zipper we can afford, the #10 YKK VISLON® zipper, is that they are easily repairable, even in the field; they will hold their place, that is, they "lock"; they are difficult to penetrate, thereby increasing the security of your belongings; they function smoothly in inclement weather and they can be yanked from a variety of angles without losing teeth or becoming separated. Since they're made of vinyl, they will never rust or require lubing.

PUTTING THE HARD IN HARDWARE.
Red Oxx has occasionally been accused of "overdoing" our hardware. But once you've had a cheap piece of plastic hardware break in the middle of a busy intersection, airport or other inconvenient locale dumping your precious belongings all over the ground, having a heavy-duty nickel-plated or stainless steel D ring or attachment swivel that weighs just a little more, or might be a little "jingly", is a travel companion's confidence builder and peace-of-mind maker. After all, you want to enjoy your journey as best you can. Why worry about having your Gator break down?

A HANDY MULTI-PURPOSE BAG.
The famous fully adjustable Claw Shoulder Strap will not slip. Or carry it with the wraparound handle handclasp. Popular with the demanding business crowd and all the rage with the adventure travel crowd, Gator Travel Bags are durable companions for many uses: SLR camera bags, diaper bags, NetBooks or Tablets, C-pap bags, pistol range, you name it, the Gator will eat it. Consider it your "bag of all trades."

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY.
Place your order now to get your Gator on our production schedule. Your bag will then be shipped in under 14 working days. Like retirement, it's worth the wait.

Online orders will receive an order confirmation email, a UPS tracking information email when your order ships and a product review request follow-up email eight weeks after delivery. In addition, backorders beyond a dozen working days may receive an order follow-up assurance email. During checkout purchasers have the option to opt-out of our quarterly email newsletter. Your email address is always secure.

Gator Trivia: When Red Oxx President Perry Jones had young children he was embarassed to appear like he was carrying a diaper bag. After the kids grew out of their diapers, he wanted a decent range bag to take with him. The Gator held his pistols, magazines, ammo, ear muffs, safety glasses, gloves and targets. When Jim went to Africa, he brought along a Gator as his personal item. The name Gator was selected because a Gator is sly and stealthy and can quickly consume large prey, sometimes larger than itself, with it's enormous mouth.

Makes a great range bag for my pistols or AR-15. Carries plenty of ammo, cleaning kit, glasses, ear defenders, etc... Everything you need for a few hours at the range.

It is made way better than all of the regular bags you see and better than most of the more expensive ones as well.

Bottomless pit

By Tom, Ontario, Canada, September 12, 2014

When I landed a new job teaching micro enterprise principles in developing countries I knew it was the perfect justification to finally get the Red Oxx gear that I had been lusting after. The Air Boss and Gator were all that everyone said they were and more. I carried everything I needed for a two week trip to Cuba and Colombia in those two bags with plenty of room to spare, including all my teaching materials. The best part was bypassing the luggage carousel when I landed in Toronto at the end of the trip knowing that my wife was waiting. I'm looking forward to many future trips to Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

I was amazed at the amount of stuff that fit into the Gator. And it was easy to carry through airports along with the Air Boss. The Gator went with me almost everywhere and held everything I needed for long days of meetings and site seeing. What a great little bag.

I have no regrets about my purchase and recommend Red Oxx to all who will listen.

Time for a rethink

By A northerner, Ontario, Canada, August 25, 2014

I am a long-time fan of Red Oxx products and have purchased more than a dozen of their bags. Each purchase has been an excellent choice from the PR5 to a Lil Roy. That is until now. I chose the Gator bag to use as a carry-on for international travel because of its size and versatility. The quality and ruggedness of Red Oxx stuff is beyond dispute, including the Gator. It is versatile, it keeps its form and is well padded. The design, however is out dated and requires revision for the following reasons: 1) the divider in the inside is poorly designed. It is too stiff and rough and hangs out into the middle of the bag, getting in the way of anything you put into or take out of the bag. There is no way to attach it to the back of the bag to keep it out of the way and the pen holders are overly large and heavy, compounding the problem. Red Oxx should eliminate it or redesign it so that it is actually functional. 2) The hardware on the bag is far heavier then it needs to be, making it clanky and heavy. Though one could pull a tractor with it, one rarely does, so the concept of a carry anywhere bag is defeated by it. Red Oxx should supply strong but lighter hardware. 3) The claw strap is certainly non-slip, but it too is overkill for this bag. It is thick and cumbersome and actually hurts the shoulder. It is great on a PR5, but inappropriate for a bag this size. 4) the elasticized pockets on the sides are virtually useless for their stated purpose and difficult for any other purpose. I use them to tuck the shoulder strap ends in when I have the strap attached but am using the handles. I then tuck the rubber part of the shoulder strap between the handles. 5) The handles, while essential, are poorly designed because the wrap around fastener is large and floppy and gets in the way. It is difficult to snap open and closed every time you want to get into the bag, so most of the time it is left undone and just flops around in the hand.

The concept of the bag is good and I am sure RedOxx sells enough of them, but it could be a great bag with some revision. I know countless others have cited the shortcomings of this bay over the years, but it has not changed for the better as far as I can see. This bag is a great disappointment in too many ways to be recommended.

One major annoyance

By Nancy, CA, August 16, 2014

This bag is fantastic except for one major flaw : the chrome clip attacments clanging against the chrome strap rings is beyond annoying! I went to a lot of effort to replace the shoulder strap attaching clips with heavy duty plastic ones ( I had to take it to the cobbler). The chrome attachment clips are also too large for the strap. I contacted Red Oxx to make them aware of this issue in hopes they would acknowledge my comment and correct it....the only response I received was that I could return the bag if I was not happy with it. How am I supposed to do that after I went to the trouble of trying to improve it ? Does anyone else feel the same about these chrome strap attachments ?

Perfect Carry on bag

By Graeme S, England, July 18, 2014

My Gator arrived in time for me to road test it on my holidays travelling from the UK to Jamaica. It was all I'd expected, and proved to be far better than my normal small rucksack option. Access to documentation, camera, other items was easy, and there was a place for everything. Colours were also excellent. I know at least 3 of my friends who've gone on to place orders. I've also started using it as my day bag for work, so it's getting even more use than I anticipated.

The Gator is a great Railroad Grip.

By Desmond CP Engineer, Indiana, July 10, 2014

The Gator has become the perfect capstone to my RR Grip. It can fit 12'' of Timetables and Rule Books. The outside pockets fit a flashlight and my radio. There is actually room to spare! I split my grip into two bags; I carry overnight gear in a suitcase. The Gator really comes in handy for when I have a spin so I only need one bag. The shoulder straps is pretty good. It's perfect for a Railroader.

Review Update

By AOM, Halifax, April 7, 2014

This is an update to my review below (AOM, Dec. '12).

In it I said I found the carrying handles got in the way when I tried to get into the bag; they tended to fall into the bag. So, I cut them off.

Well, usage and time has proven this to be a mistake. I have reached down many times to grab the bag when traveling, only to find the shoulder strap as a lifter. This got increasingly irritating.

I stand by the post-purchase installation of a snap for the inside webbed pocket. That really IS a pain, as it falls into the middle of the space, especially with pens and whatnot on the outside surface and something heavy in the pocket.

A brilliant bag; my go-to carry-on; huge capacity for its size.

Not What I hoped for

By Jess Elliott, Illinois, March 21, 2014

I was pleased with the Gator's construction, but I was disappointed with its shape and size. It is slightly too deep and not tall enough to carry the gear I need to haul around. I also wanted I carry on bag beg enough to accommodate a CPAP machine, an iPad and a Kindle plus chargers etc. It doesn't quite work. Its also a little too purse like for me.

Perfect Size

By Anonymous, Louisiana, March 13, 2014

This bag doubles as a purse, when you need more than one carry on. There is enough room for my small laptop as well as personal items. Very well organized and handy pockets.

Safari Camera Bag

By Alex Ryer, Winnetka, IL, March 6, 2014

I first bought an Air Boss and LOVED it, so when I needed a small under-seat carry-on camera bag for an upcoming 2-week photo safari to Tanzania, I immediately went back to Red Oxx and found the Gator! The padding works perfectly for a delicate DSLR and lenses, especially when I insert a MountainSmith Kit Cube (11"x4.5"x7.5") for added protection & dividers. It is inconspicuous as a camera bag, but perfectly sized.

I bought a second one for use as a briefcase, although it is a bit wide (5") for just file folders and such, because they slump like a "J" when not full. It holds my iPad (in the side sleeve, but MacBook Air is tight fit), lunch, gym stuff, and whatever else I want to bring on my daily train ride into Chicago.

I thought the expandable end pockets might be too short for water bottles, but they work great. I put my iPhone and Blackberry in the front pockets - easy one-handed close. It's basically just a rigid box, so it works best when full - more like a gym bag than a briefcase. The lack of multiple internal dividers like in a briefcase means you need a file folder or planner to prevent papers from getting bent, but it also keeps you aware of what you have in it, and you tend to collect less junk (like work you brought home two weeks ago and forgot).

It holds a lot - you could probably fit two reams of copy paper in it (not that you would want to). I find it to be the perfect commuter bag, especially if I want to throw in my camera, lunch, etc. which wouldn't fit in a standard briefcase, and it doesn't look like a backpack or gym bag. It would actually be perfect for work travel, to bring copies of presentation books and a laptop. It is definitely a non-standard size from most bags of this type, but that's why I love it.

Great for Travel, but Not as a Briefcase

By Steve, Upstate NY, February 28, 2014

I have many Red Oxx products and never cease to be amazed at how well built and useful they are. I purchased the Gator thinking perhaps I could use it as a briefcase when looking for something a bit smaller than the Metro (which by the way is the most amazing briefcase ever.)

My 11" MacBook Air just fits inside (but not inside the sleeve which is too tight) and is not too easy to retrieve when the bag is full. Also, US letter size papers just fit, but again, not an ideal size... documents might get wrinkled inside the gator.

While my business items fit inside, the Metro (which is not that much bigger) is beyond perfect and wins the briefcase competition.

The Gator is perfect for leisure travel where you don't need a laptop. It easily will hold lots of electronics like iPads, Kindles, etc. and all the cords and chargers. It will also hold your meds, 311 bag, grooming items, paperwork, reading material, snacks and even a clean shirt and underwear. A real light packer (I am good, but not that good) could probably even use it for a weekend bag. It is an ideal personal item while flying and will fit under the airplane seat so you have everything you need close at hand. I gave this to my son and will be ordering another one for me.

By the way, the Safari color scheme, which I was wary of, looks great! It is very subtle and sophisticated... it might not be ideal in a formal business setting (but you could pull it off) but it looks so much better than in on-line pictures.

Awesome bag

By Orlando I4 driver, , November 26, 2013

This bag has done everything for me. I have used it as a diaper bag, a carry on bag, a flight bag, a work bag, a tool bag, and briefcase. Tough as nails and always get compliments.

Best Bag Ever Owned

By Mike H, Virginia, November 18, 2013

The Gator is the best all-around field bag I have ever owned. I bought it two years ago to replace a Filson wax camera bag who's strap ripped out within five days of a three week safari. I have used the bag on two African Safaris and any number of fly fishing trips around the US and Alaska. I use it as a briefcase on airplanes and as a field/camera bag in the bush. On the plane it carries a a 14" Mac Air, iPad, iPhone, Sat phone, inReach, cord bag, meds kit, passport/travel wallet, book, recharger pack and usual assortment of pens , notepads, etc. Still have room. In the bush it carries two full size SRL's, camera accessary bag, sat phone, inReach, first aid kit, water bottle, flask, cigars, pens, notepad and other toys. It handles getting bounced around and hauled in/out of land rovers, small airplanes, rafts and other similar vehicles.

The heavy rubber strap is great if I have to walk with it and the zips always close. The only issue I have with the bag is the internal mesh pouch. It serves no real purpose and gets in the way of the camera's. I tried adding Velcro to hold it closed but that did not work. Finally, while on a recent Safari I simply cut the mesh out. I lost a monkey pull to some critter who liked the taste of it while in the African bush. I also own the Safari PR6 bag that ranks right along with the Gator. I typically go for three weeks and have never filled it. I love the side pockets that work well to haul a montopod and/or fly rods.

I bought the Metro bag this year and was going to use it to replace the Gator but it just did not handle the SRL's as well so it has yet to make a bush trip. I do use it as a briefcase when I need to haul more than one laptop.

Quick word on how I got introduced to Red Oxx. I was standing in a security line at Bozeman airport and saw a fellow with a Gator. I has instant bag envy. I did something I never do and walked over and asked who made his bag. He was more than happy to tell me about Red Oxx. I have had the same experience twice when people have approached me and asked who made my Gator. Tells you something about the quality of the bag. Love the customer service.

Cons (IMO): Bought this to replace a nearly perfect old REI carry-on flight bag that has (sadly) been discontinued. I tried the Bihn Co-Pilot but it was too small and inflexibly structured for my needs. After reading reviews of the Gator I bought one and just took it on a weekend trip. For me, it's just about an inch or two too small in length and height for comfortable use, though the width is perfect. Also, I didn't like the fact that the inner mesh pocket doesn't stretch at all (not even sure why it's mesh)-- it's difficult to slide a regular iPad into it even with a thin leather case on it. I concur with those who've said the rings are too large; the rings, handle, monkey fists and strap all combine to get in the way somewhat on a bag this size when you're in a hurry trying to get something out of it (like a passport or boarding passes). Smaller rings would help significantly.

If you can live with the size-- and many travelers probably can-- it's a great little bag. If the Oxx comes out with a slightly larger version I'll buy it in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, mine will probably go up on eBay.

A great Daily and Travel Carry

By Richard B, Southeastern NC, September 26, 2013

I have used the Gator for a few weeks now and have just returned from a multi-day visit to a professional conference. The Gator has met the vast majority of my needs for a daily carry and for travel. It is ideally sized for a personal item to go under the seat in front of you on a plane - leaves plenty of leg room while carrying what I needed on board. For the meeting it easily held all meeting materials as well as the electronics I was using (iPad, separate keyboard, phone, external battery for charging devices on the fly). For daily needs, the Gator holds what I need most days - on those few days when I need more space, I need a lot more space.

If I could change things about the bag I would add about 0.5 - 1 inch in height and length to more easily hold folders and a laptop (the depth is fine just as it is). I would also stiffen up the divider a little as it tends to sag if anything is in the pockets.

I like this bag and have no qualms about recommending it to others.

Safari Gator - A good traveler

By Gerry, Blue Springs, MO, September 15, 2013

Just purchased my second Gator to match my new black Tres Hombres. My old safari Gator has been a great travel companion. I originally purchased it with a Safari Beano. I've taken it on business trips, deer hunts, fishing trips and just general around town. Even took it to the hospital while my Mother was in having surgery and then recovering. It has carried books, my Nexus 7 inch note pad, smaller cameras, meds and assorted items. I think the Gator is a super bag.

Made for the security line and the airplane

By Benjamin, Boston, MA, July 29, 2013

As the security apparatus at every airport has become cumbersome, you need to move quickly for the sake of the other passengers' sanity. As a business traveler, I've had near meltdowns myself ehn I had to tear through my main bag (the Air Boss) looking for my 3 oz. liquids, 1 quart bag. When I'm at the gate I have to scramble for my book, headphones, ticket, mp3 player, etc. and then juggle them onto the plane while producing my ticket and putting my Air Boss in the overhead bin. This product covers everything. It has space for your liquids so you don't have to tear through your main bag to find them. It has slots for pens, a copy of a monolithic Russian novel, and most anything else you'd want on a flight. Finally, it fits WAY underneath the seat in front of you so you can still stretch your legs.

Are you listening?

By Patrick, United States, July 28, 2013

Read through these reviews and it is quite obvious that Red Oxx and the Gator have a lot of fans. However, even though most of the reviews are complementary, a great many of them point out defects that the reviewer would like to see changed… and you will see the same complaints over and over again: the water bottle sleeves are too short; the interior divider is poorly designed; the bag could hold folders if it was just a bit larger; and (my personal favorite) the outside snap pockets are a thieves delight, rendering them useless for anything that you may wish to still have in your possession after a slog through a busy airport of train station!

You would think that one of the benefits of dealing with a small company is that they could be light on their feet and more responsive to their customer’s needs. I, like others, appreciate the quality construction, and simple straightforward design. Just wondering if Red Oxx will live up to my hopes and make changes for the better. If so, I’ll buy a T-shirt and join the “clique”. If not, oh well, just another manufacturer among many.

Awesome Bag, but ...

By W. Novak, Spring Hill, KS, July 17, 2013

I'd like to think I beat this bag to death on a recent 16 day trip to China. I used the bag everyday to carry my camera gear as follows: Canon 50d, a Canon 10-22mm wide angle zoom, a Tamron 28-75mm zoom, a Canon 85mm f2.8, battery charger, remote shutter device, a micro cloth, 2 lens pouches for lenses not mounted on the camera, an umbrella and sunglasses in one of the outside pouches and a water bottle in the other. I also carried a small bottled of antacids.

One could always wish for more room in the main compartment as getting three lenses and a dslr in there was a tight fit, but more room would only encourage me to carry more.

Oh yes, I was also able to cram in noise canceling headphones in their case while aboard airplanes - yes, really.

The bag worked perfectly, and I find the strap to be very comfortable. And my days were very long.

So, why not a five star rating. On an extremely hot and humid day I took a walking tour along the Yangtze River just below the Three Gorges Dam. My new color black Gator bled all over the light colored polo shirt I was wearing that day. Now to be certain I was wringing wet, and I didn't realize what was happening until I got back to my room later that evening. Perhaps it was to be expected given the conditions, but I was a bit surprised. And the laundry couldn't get it out although it looks okay after repeated washings.

Despite this issue I would recommend this bag to friends and fellow travelers. Just about the perfect compliment to my Air Boss.

Fits EVERYTHING...and then some

By Shelley, Hudson Valley, NY, June 16, 2013

I bought this item, returned it, and then thought better of it...glad I stuck with my original decision. This bag holds EVERYTHING you need for a carry-on -- books, iPad, 11" MacBook Air, onboard stuff (neck pillow, eye mask, ear plugs), passport holder, sunglasses..I still had room leftover after adding a change of underwear to the above.

The one drawback: It is heavier than I'd like it to be.

I recommended this bag because of the incredibly fine construction, and because Red Oxx staff are attentive and all about the customer.

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As time rolls a ceaseless course, only the genuine guarantee remains. The mountains will persist, the oceans are bound to endure and Red Oxx will continue to be rugged, reliable, and tough.

To the depths of the Amazon basin to the peaks of the Himilayas, Red Oxx Manufacturing is infallible.

Red Oxx Bags are guaranteed forever, be sure to include them in your will.

Made in U.S.A.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Gator meet the airline's personal item standards?
Yes, and you can fit the bag under the seat, too.

Will my laptop fit in the middle compartment?
Most netbooks, iPads, Tablets and "mini" laptops will fit with room to spare, but probably not a full size laptop (17" plus).

Will my work files fit inside?
If you want a briefcase that will hold your files and a laptop, look into our Briefcase line, specifically the Metro and the wider CPA.

Can the Gator double as an SLR camera bag?
Yes, the Gator makes for a perfect SLR camera bag due to it's generous, yet practical size, its full wrap around padding and handy pockets.

What are the differences between the Gator and the Metro and / or CPA?
The Metro and CPA are specifically designed to be laptop business briefcases, whereas the Gator is more of a general multipurpose day bag.

Will the iPad, iPad II or most other Tablets fit inside?
Yes, the Gator makes an ideal Tablet bag. Tablets will tuck nicely into the interior flat panel pocket and are protected by the bag's padding.

Will the Gator compact carry-on fit into the Air Boss central compartment?
We don't recommend inserting the Gator into the Air Boss. The results would be too bulky.

Are there any interior pockets?
It has one flat panel pocket with pouches for smaller items and writing instruments.

Can I fit my C-pap machine inside?
The Gator is an ideal C-pap bag.

My zipper broke. The teeth have separated. Do I send it in for warranty repair?
No need for warranty repair, fix it yourself. Check out this video where CEO Jim Markel shows how easy it is to do it yourself.

Is there a way to securely lock my bag?
Sure, you can use any TSA approved bag lock or try our Cable Lock for a simple, semi-secure solution. Watch this video where CEO Jim Markel demonstrates how you can use the cable that comes with the product Dog Tag price tag to secure your bag. Keep in mind, any determined thief can still cut open a soft sided bag with a sharp knife.

Can you ship USPS?
Yes, Red Oxx will ship USPS upon request. Simply state, "Please ship USPS" in the cart comments during checkout and we will adjust your billing accordingly.